Global Turmoil: Typhoon Yagi Devastates Vietnam; Kim Jong Un Announces Nuclear Expansion; Ukraine Launches Massive Drone Attack on Moscow
Typhoon Yagi devastates northern Vietnam with deadly floods, while North Korea vows massive nuclear expansion amid rising regional tensions.
Typhoon Yagi's catastrophic floods have devastated northern Vietnam, including Hanoi, causing at least 65 deaths and leaving 39 missing, severely affecting industrial hubs like Bac Giang and Thai Nguyen. Authorities report alarming river levels, leading to widespread evacuations, infrastructure damage, and the collapse of a bridge in Phu Tho province.
Meanwhile, in North Korea, Kim Jong Un announced a massive nuclear expansion to counter threats from the US and its allies, coinciding with the country's founding anniversary. This comes as South Korea, the US, and Japan condemn North Korea’s missile tests and plan another joint military exercise, with Germany also joining the UN Command in South Korea.
On a related security front, US Indo-Pacific Commander Samuel Paparo has urged China to halt its "dangerous" actions in the South China Sea during renewed talks. This follows recent discussions by Jake Sullivan in Beijing, focusing on maintaining military communication and addressing the status of Taiwan.
Turning to the Middle East, Jordan has opened polls for its parliamentary elections, testing a new law designed to reduce tribalism and empower political parties. Despite increased representation for women and youth, the parliament is still expected to be dominated by tribal and pro-government factions, with significant support also predicted for Islamist parties.
Over in Eastern Europe, Ukraine launched its biggest drone attack on Moscow to date, resulting in casualties, property damage, and significant disruptions at major airports. This incident is a part of the ongoing drone and artillery conflict between Ukraine and Russia, with both sides claiming to have downed numerous drones.
Lastly, Swiss appeals court convicted Islamic scholar Tariq Ramadan of rape, overturning his prior acquittal, and sentenced him to three years in prison with two years suspended. Ramadan, who maintains his innocence, was convicted over a 2008 incident in a Geneva hotel.
Meanwhile, in North Korea, Kim Jong Un announced a massive nuclear expansion to counter threats from the US and its allies, coinciding with the country's founding anniversary. This comes as South Korea, the US, and Japan condemn North Korea’s missile tests and plan another joint military exercise, with Germany also joining the UN Command in South Korea.
On a related security front, US Indo-Pacific Commander Samuel Paparo has urged China to halt its "dangerous" actions in the South China Sea during renewed talks. This follows recent discussions by Jake Sullivan in Beijing, focusing on maintaining military communication and addressing the status of Taiwan.
Turning to the Middle East, Jordan has opened polls for its parliamentary elections, testing a new law designed to reduce tribalism and empower political parties. Despite increased representation for women and youth, the parliament is still expected to be dominated by tribal and pro-government factions, with significant support also predicted for Islamist parties.
Over in Eastern Europe, Ukraine launched its biggest drone attack on Moscow to date, resulting in casualties, property damage, and significant disruptions at major airports. This incident is a part of the ongoing drone and artillery conflict between Ukraine and Russia, with both sides claiming to have downed numerous drones.
Lastly, Swiss appeals court convicted Islamic scholar Tariq Ramadan of rape, overturning his prior acquittal, and sentenced him to three years in prison with two years suspended. Ramadan, who maintains his innocence, was convicted over a 2008 incident in a Geneva hotel.
